Will India Remain the Fastest Growing Economy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's GDP growth reached 7.4% in Q4 2024-25.
- Support for agriculture is expected to enhance productivity.
- Government policies are focused on assisting MSMEs.
- Defense production is experiencing significant growth.
- Market transparency and digitization are aiding economic dynamism.
New Delhi, June 30 (NationPress) India is poised to maintain its status as the fastest-growing economy, potentially even exceeding current growth rates, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted on Monday. With favorable monsoon conditions, the agricultural sector is expected to showcase more encouraging statistics.
The GDP growth surged to an impressive 7.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024-25, resulting in an annual growth rate of 6.5 percent, driven by strong performances in agriculture, construction, and services sectors, according to the latest data from the RBI.
In a series of posts on the X social media platform, derived from media interviews, the finance minister expressed confidence that this growth trajectory will persist and may improve further with a good monsoon.
She emphasized that the deepening of markets is evident, benefiting both retailers and ordinary citizens. "Our systems are transparent, digitized, and accessible from home, allowing individuals to manage their affairs independently. These are indicators of a thriving economy," FM Sitharaman asserted.
She highlighted that support will be directed towards labor-intensive sectors: "We have been clear that handicrafts and handmade goods will receive assistance. We are not prioritizing one over the other—both manufacturing and automation will receive policy support," she stated.
Over the past 11 years, the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently formulated substantial policies aimed at assisting individuals, particularly MSMEs, she noted.
Referring to PM Modi's initiatives, she mentioned the Aspirational Districts program, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity and increase farmers' incomes through the Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. "I have advised banks to create tailored schemes for these 100 districts," FM Sitharaman remarked.
PM Modi has also ensured that defense requirements are prioritized. "Since 2014, there has been a focus on both small and large demands from defense, including timely delivery of essential equipment," she stated.
"Indian defense production has experienced significant growth and is now emerging as a key exporter. The enhancement of domestic capacities has allowed for local sourcing for national needs, marking a substantial shift," FM Sitharaman concluded.